| Trip code | |
| Package name | Gokyo Valley Trekking in Nepal |
| Duration | 14 |
| Max. elevation | 5335 m |
| Level | MODERATE |
| Transportation |
Kathmandu to lukla to Kathmandu by flight |
| Accomodation |
3 Nights stay at 2-star category Hotel in Kathmandu(B/B) and stay at teahouse during the trek |
| Starts at | kathmandu |
| Ends at | kathmandu |
| Trip route | Kathmandu, Lukla, Namche, Dole, Macharmmo, Gokyo, Gokyo_Ri, Dole, Namche and Lukla |
| Cost | USD 0 per person |
Gokyo Valley Trekking
Gokyo valley trekking is a mostly desired and moderately challenging trekking route in Everest region that takes you to the pleasing Gokyo valley, situated at the foot of amazing Gokyo Ri and the Gokyo Lakes. This trek offers stunning sight of some of the highest peaks in the world, including Mt. Everest. Similarly, it involves trekking rugged terrain, high altitude, and some steep ascents and descents, a world heritage site, Buddhist monasteries, besides the glorious grimace one can get glimpses of the livelihood of the Sherpa known for the world- famous mountain climbers.
Gokyo valley trek is another great option for those who are heading to Everest Base Camp and willing to trek in the less crowded hiking trails in the Everest region leading to Everest base camp. Gokyo lakes are the major attraction of this trail which is known as the world’s highest fresh water lake system comprising six lakes (Gokyo Cho, Thonak Cho, Gyazumpa Cho, Tanjung Cho, Ngojumba Cho, and Kyajumba cho).
The lakes are considered scared by both Hindus and Buddhists. About number of Hindus take a holy bath in the lakes during the festival of Janai Purnima, which usually falls on Augusts. Similarly, numerous tourists also visit the Gokyo lakes annually to enjoy heavenly moment and explore this natural land. The site is worshipped as the residing place of snake God and temple of Hindu deities Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva can be explore at the western corner of the lakes. The strong faith on “no harm” to birds in the lake provides shelter to wetland birds. This trek will certainly provide you thrills, adventure and memories that will last a lifetime.
Permits for Gokyo Valley Trekking
Like other treks in the Everest region, Gokyo valley trek also need two different permits which can only be obtained through a registered trekking agency in Nepal.
1 The sagarmatha National park permit
2 TIMS Cards
Travel Insurance
Any trek in Nepal, including the Gokyo valley Trek, needs travel insurance. The trek includes high-altitude trekking, which may be physically challenging and dangerous. Travel insurance can cover you financially in the event of an accident, a medical emergency, a flight cancellation or delay, or lost or stolen luggage.
When buying travel insurance for this trek, ensure that it covers high- altitude trekking and emergency helicopter evacuation, as these can be expansive without insurance. Depending on your plan, you can also obtain additional coverage of activities like hiking, mountaineering and adventure sports.
Guide and Porter
It’s always suggested to trek with a knowledgeable experienced licensed guide or join a trekking agency to assure safety and utilize your time in a best way. Moreover, according to Nepal tourism board all the trekkers are required to gain services of licensed trekking guide and to acquire (TIMS Cards) through authorized trekking agencies with the government of Nepal.
Significantly, Nepal Holiday Treks and Tours Pvt. Ltd. is a reliable and reputable company registered with the government of Nepal that can provide you helpful, friendly, English speaking with technically competent government authorized license holding guide and porter with their insurance. As they are highly experienced trekking guide prompt in safety performance and always carry essential safety equipments, first aid kids and gear.
The ideal season for visiting Gokyo
Trekking to the gokyo valley is advantageous in every season but the best time allows you best experience till the end. However, the different season will offer you with different heavenly moments and memories for lifetime.
Autum Season (September- November)
The autum months are the time of the harvesting season with the hours of daylight and the hours of night are the same. The temperatures are mild, the weather is relatively unchanged, the clear skies provide astonishing mountain views, and the day time walking temperature are also the most pleasant overall. However, the high mountains are still cold and lower elevations are warm. Along the trail, you will witness yellow, orange, red, and brown leaves on the trees.
Spring Season (March- May)
It is the pre- monsoon period when nature regenerates its lost beauty. You can explore a wide variety of flowers blooming making colorful hills such as magnolia, Nepalese national flower Rhododendron and other variety of wildflowers in various part of the country.
Spring is the advantageous season to tackle treks with high passes. The temperature of surrounding begins to rise allowing stronger sunlight and the days grow longer.
Summer (June- August)
In the context of Nepal, monsoon and summer season are combined. It is blazing hot for the first few weeks and begins to rain by the mid of the season. So, due to the continuous rain showers, the paths are slippery and muddy. Summer is best for adventure seekers and nature lovers. It is a time where wildflowers are in full bloom and the foothills are lush.
Winter (December- February)
Winter is the months for snow fall, icy- cold season of the year, but the lower region trek is entirely enjoyable at this time.
Altitude Sickness
Generally altitude sickness occurs when you travel to a high altitude too quickly. Headache, nausea, tiredness etc are the symptoms occur when your body tries to adjust to the lower air pressure and lower oxygen levels at high altitudes. When it comes to this illness, one should be pro-active and notify the guide as soon as possible.
Fitness/ Experience
Physical fitness level, health, and medical required for Gokyo valley trekking. The trekking trail is a challenging and adventurous. You will be regularly hiking for around 5 to 6 hours on average depending on the destination. So, this trek is not recommended for trekkers who are suffering from chronic ailments or have heart or lung diseases. It is better to avoid this trip.
However, all the trekkers having an average level of fitness can easily complete this trek. If you have any kind of previous trekking experience or regular exercise it will be an added advantage but not compulsory.
Foods and lodging
The accommodation in the mountains and remote villages are generally modest and basic. The room, shower and rest rooms are available in a twin- shared basis. The mountain teahouse provides rooms with just a bed, pillow, and blankets but the view is spectacular from the rooms. The standard lodge has two single bedrooms with mattresses, pillow, warm blankets, attached bathrooms and hot water.
Teashops and lodges usually provide plentiful and delicious foods which suits the preferences of various trekkers such as Nepali foods, Indian, Italian, Tibetan and Continental food. All the foods will be cooked by the local cook by using local vegetables so the taste would be very local. During the trek, we will ensure accommodate you to the best available tea houses with great views, sceneries, and serve with organic, healthy and hygienic foods.
On your arrival to Kathmandu from Tribhuwan International Airport(TIA), the representative from Nepal Holiday Treks and Tours welcomes you and then you shall be transferred to the categorized Hotel in Kathmandu to which you are comfortable with.
On the very first day we visit four different UNESCO World Heritage places in Kathmandu which are as follows:
Our trip starts from the domestic terminal of TIA taking the early morning flight to Lukla. While we are in the air flying, we shall be entertained with lots of panoramic view of the dazzling White Mountains and beautiful scenic villages beneath us. In no time we shall find ourselves at Tenzing-Hillary Airport, Lukla which is one of the most beautiful and thrilling air routes in the world culminating in a land on a hillside surrounded by high mountains. And then we start following the trail towards Phakding making through along the beautiful Sherpa valleys
On our way to Namche following Dudh Koshi River, we shall be enjoying the beautiful view of the glistening Mt. Thamserku (6608m) on our right, also experience the serenity of pine, fir and juniper forests throughout our journey. If lucky we may even catch a glimpse of Mt. Everest peeking over the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge when the days are open and clear. After making through several suspension bridges we have a straight upward climbing trail which embraces us to Namche Bazar.
We will spend a day in Namche Bazar in order to alleviate our tired and lethargic muscle. We will make a short distance to the way of the museum which is celebrated for the exhibition of the traditional culture of Sherpa people. After that, we will hike up to the Syangboche Airport which lies closer to the Everest View Hotel where we can observe the views of the Himalayas with an astonishing sunrise and sunset over the panorama of Khumbu peaks. Namche is a colorful village which includes interesting and exhilarating shops and vendors, fabulous food, and stunning views of mountains.
As we climb steeply out of valley passing through the rhododendron forest, we will see juniper and large conifers according to the altitude being increased which makes the trekking very much pristine in spring time. We will observe Khumbu La and Twache throughout the day.
Today we will be climbing steadily along the side of the valley. As we climb up to more altitude, we will find the small and thorny bushes give way to scrub juniper. The trail takes us through many summer settlements, which are used when yaks are taken to these pastures to graze in the summer months. Ahead of us are excellent views of Cho Oyu, while behind us down the valley are the peaks of Kantega and Thamserku.
The trek today will take us to a very scenic path to Pangka and then to the River that flows down the west side of the Ngozumpa Glacier. We then climb a steep rocky inclined into the valley by the side of the glacier, passing the first of the holy lakes. And we soon follow the second and third one after another. The final lake is known as Dudh Pokhari and on its eastern shore is the settlement of Gokyo.
Gokyo is situated by the side of famous glacier Ngozumpa. Besides taking rest we may take a hike to Gokyo Ri (5583m) if you don’t want to miss the bests view of the whole Gokyo valley, the massive Ngozumpa glacier and an incredible panoramic view of the whole Khumbu Himalayas, including the giants Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, Cho-Oyu and Gychung Kang. Or we can take a short walk around Gokyo valley and circle around the glacier.
And we follow back to the descending trail to Dole again .
From Dole we start descending steeply to Phortse Tenga passing through rhododendron forests then the path immediately ascends steeply to Mongla Danda (4000m) and to Kyanjoma (3500m). Finally, to Namche following small ups and down the trail.
On our final day, we trek down toward the Hillary Suspension Bridge and then pass through several local villages. Our arrival in Lukla brings an evening in a proper hotel. And make some joyful moments thanking and congratulating each other on our success of the trek and to our teamwork.
We take a flight back to Kathmandu early in the morning and rest day or souvenir shopping day.
On this day, you shall be transferred to the International Airport at least 3 hours before your flight for onward destination by a representative of Nepal Holiday Treks and Tours.